Sightseeing Spots: Historic Spots and Ruins in Hakone

Hakone travel, tourism and attractions

Hakone Shrine Hakone Shrine, built in 757, used to be worshipped by many generals. Inside the treasure vault is the portrait of Priest Mangan. It is known as an important cultural property, for pictures, old books and art objects.

Sounji TempleIn 1521, Ujitsuna Hojo built this temple dedicated to his father, Soun. Inside the temple are such cultural properties as Godai Hojo's grave and Soun Hojo's portrait.

Hakone Checkpoint Exhibition For the purpose of preventing feudal lords from rebelling against him, Hidetada Tokugawa placed this checkpoint in 1619. Guns were not allowed to be brought in and women were not allowed to get out of Edo. In 1869, the checkpoint was abolished and demolished. Since then, the ruin has been a noted place in Hakone, designated as an important cultural property in 1922.

Rows of Cedar Trees The rows of cedar trees by Lake Ashi are said to have been planted in 1618, at the beginning of the Edo period. Around 409 huge cedar trees still stand strong (designated as a historical spot by the nation).

Old Highway Stone Pavement The distance from Odawara – Hakone to Lake Ashi, and from Lake Ashi to Mishima is equivalent to eight ri (1 ri =3.9km), therefore it’s called Hakone Hachi Ri (hachi is eight in English). Hakone Hachi Ri was a tough interval in the Tokaido highway. The stone pavement left from the old Tokaido highway covers the current road from Hatajuku to Lake Ashi. Many visitors enjoy walking on the highway.

Stone Images of Buddha and Stone Castles in Motohakone Near Lake Ashi, at the foot of Mt. Futago, and Lake Shojin stand many great stone images of Buddha and stone castles. These include a huge stone of three metres (ten foot) in height, 26 stone images of Buddha, also called Nijugo Bosatsu. There is also Gorinto Castle, said to be the grave for the Soga brothers, Hokyo Into Castle, said to be the grave of Manju Tadano, and other various stone images of Buddha, all being designated as important cultural properties.